FDA warns about another fake 'Avastin' drug

April 4, 2012 4:53:38 PM PDT

WASHINGTON --

Doctors should be on the lookout for another counterfeit version of the best-selling cancer drug Avastin.

The Food and Drug Administration says fake vials of the medication are being distributed under the Turkish brand "Altuzan" which does not contain the active ingredient used to treat brain, colon, lung, and kidney cancers.

FDA officials say a pharmaceutical company called "Richards Pharma" is selling the counterfeit. This is the second time this year a fake batch of Avastin has turned up in the United States.